The Bell Buoy

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
They christened my brother of old, And a saintly name he bears, They gave him his place to hold At the head of the belfry-stairs, Where the minister-towers stand And the breeding kestrels cry. Would I change with my brother a league inland? (Shoal! 'Ware shoal!) Not I! In the flush of the hot June prime, O'er sleek flood-tides afire, I hear him hurry the chime To the bidding of checked Desire; Till the sweated ringers tire And the wild bob-majors die. Could I wait for my turn in the godly choir? (Shoal! 'Ware shoal!) Not I! When the smoking scud is blown, When the greasy wind-rack lowers, Apart and at peace and alone, He counts the changeless hours. He wars with darkling Powers (I war with a darkling sea); Would he stoop to my work in the gusty mirk? (Shoal! 'Ware shoal!) Not he! There was never a priest to pray There was never a hand to toll, When they made me guard of the bay, And moored me over the shoal. I rock, I reel, and I roll, My four great hammers ply, Could I speak or be still at the Church's will? (Shoal! 'Ware shoal!) Not I! The landward marks have failed, The fog-bank glides unguessed, The seaward lights are veiled, The spent deep feigns her rest: But my ear is laid to her breast, I lift to the swell, I cry! Could I wait in sloth on the Church's oath? (Shoal! 'Ware shoal!) Not I! At the careless end of night I thrill to the nearing screw; I turn in the clearing light And I call to the drowsy crew; And the mud boils foul and blue As the blind bow backs away. Will they give me their thanks if they clear the banks? (Shoal! 'Ware shoal!) Not they! The beach-pools cake and skim, The bursting spray-heads freeze, I gather on crown and rim The grey, grained ice of the seas, Where, sheathed from bitt to trees, The plunging colliers lie. Would I barter my place for the Church's grace? (Shoal ! 'Ware shoal !) Not I! Through the blur of the whirling snow, Or the black of the inky sleet, The lanterns gather and grow, And I look for the homeward fleet. Rattle of block and sheet, "Ready about-stand by!" Shall I ask them a fee ere they fetch the quay? (Shoal! 'Ware shoal!) Not I! I dip and I surge and I swing In the rip of the racing tide, By the gates of doom I sing, On the horns of death I ride. A ship-length overside, Between the course and the sand, Fretted and bound I bide Peril whereof I cry. Would I change with my brother a league inland? (Shoal! 'Ware shoal!) Not I!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This compelling poem presents a deep exploration of identity, vocation, and a profound sense of place. There is a clear juxtaposition between the speaker's maritime life and his brother's terrestrial existence. The poem is charged with a sense of defiance and individuality, as the speaker asserts his satisfaction with his own life and repeatedly rejects the idea of exchange ("Not I!").

The structure of the poem is consistent, utilising repetitive refrains ("Shoal! 'Ware shoal! Not I!") that serve not only as a thematic anchor but also as a rhythmic device that mimics the ceaseless ebb and flow of the sea. This repetition also enhances the defiant tone of the poem.

The poet employs vivid and tactile imagery to illustrate the gritty reality of the speaker's maritime life, creating a stark contrast with his brother's life in the church. Phrases like "I rock, I reel, and I roll, My four great hammers ply," "The mud boils foul and blue," and "I dip and I surge and I swing" plunge the reader into the tumultuous, dangerous, and unyielding nature of the sea. Yet, it is precisely this challenging environment that the speaker prefers, underlining his resilience and independence.

Additionally, the use of maritime language and the personification of the sea ("the spent deep feigns her rest") and the ship ("I thrill to the nearing screw") further immerse the reader in the speaker's world. The poem, thus, posits a commentary on the value of hard-earned, authentic experiences over the seemingly safe and predictable path, advocating for individuality and personal choice.

In conclusion, this poem offers a nuanced examination of two contrasting lives, emphasizing the unique fulfillment derived from personal choice and resilience in the face of adversity. The rich maritime imagery and rhythm mirror the speaker's life, making the poem a vivid and engaging read.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.